NCA Signs MOU with Savannah Cement

NCA on Tuesday, 30th May signed a Memorandum of Understanding with local cement manufacturer Savannah Cement in a partnership that will see capacity for contractors in the industry boosted.

Speaking at the ceremony which took place at Savannah’s Athi River Plant, NCA Executive Director Dr. Daniel Manduku reiterated the Authority’s commitment to capacity building for the industry, and welcomed Savannah on board as the latest partner in the ongoing programme.

“NCA takes partnership very seriously, because we recognize the fact that the development and growth of the industry is a multi-agency effort for all stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors,” Dr. Manduku explained. “The Authority recognizes the strides Savannah has made in the short time they have been in the industry, and we are happy to grow together.”

Savannah CEO Mr. Ronald Ndegwa recognized NCA as a welcome presence in construction. “NCA is literally the industry’s salvation, and they have put in place regulations that have changed the industry for the better. We look forward to a fruitful partnership.”

The MOU will see both partners create tailor made programmes for both contractors and artisans, the former which will include business to business meetings and the latter which will involve upskilling.

NCA is currently focused on accrediting over one million artisans by the year 2020, which will ensure a qualified and competent workforce, greatly reducing irregular construction which has in the past led to loss of lives and livelihood.

Dr. Manduku mentioned that NCA is a key stakeholder in the ongoing Ahero-Isebania road, also in a capacity building role. He congratulated Savannah on the major milestones they had achieved in the four years since their formation. This includes a major dam project in Uganda, as well as a significant portion of the Standard Gauge Railway. The cement company has also partnered with NCA’s parent ministry, Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Urban Development, to develop a special stabilized cement for road construction.

Mr. Ndegwa took pride in the fact that Savannah is a wholly owned Kenyan company, and insisted that contractors need as much training as artisans in order to enhance quality assurance.

The signing ceremony was followed by a brief tour of the Athi River plant, where Mr. Ndegwa mentioned Savannah is in the process of establishing a second line to boost capacity.